Operations Director

FNZ Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the financial services sector seeks an Operations Director to oversee comprehensive service delivery for Corporate and Retail Clients. This leadership role emphasizes operational excellence, compliance, and strategic planning, requiring a candidate with extensive experience in the Wealth Management industry. The successful applicant will drive operational transformation and risk management while fostering a collaborative team culture.

Qualifications

• Extensive operational experience in Wealth Management/Platform industry.
• Senior management or director-level experience within the platform industry.
• Understanding of South African financial services and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational transformation and continuous improvement programs.
• Lead development, training, and performance management of the Transfer Agency Operations team.
• Ensure accuracy, compliance, and adherence to service standards.

Skills

Client relationship management

Operational governance

Risk management

Job description

The Operations Director is responsible for managing all designated Operational Pillars, the operations team, and location to ensure end-to-end service for Corporate and Retail Clients on behalf of FNZ. They may also act as a Deputy for the COO when appropriate.

This role includes accountability for Transfer Agency Operations, including regulatory and financial risks across all related teams and processes. The role holder will oversee changes within these operational areas, ensuring effective and compliant delivery from initiation to implementation. Additionally, they are responsible for service delivery quality, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and adherence to service standards for clients.

Specific Role Responsibilities

• Develop and ensure the provision of best-in-class operational services within Transfer Agency Operations.
• Contribute to strategic planning and set action plans for the operational areas.
• Oversee change governance for technology solutions, ensuring scalability, productivity, and compliance.
• Manage leadership, culture, and services to adapt to regulatory changes and ensure team motivation and career development.
• Ensure the operational location complies with Duty of Care responsibilities.
• Build and maintain senior relationships within the global business and externally with stakeholders such as clients, custodians, regulators, and third parties.

Process

• Lead resilience efforts and reporting to evidence standards achieved.
• Manage error processes, KPI/KRI delivery, and risk management, including reporting and escalation.
• Oversee operational transformation and continuous improvement programs.
• Ensure audit, client visit, and engagement readiness.
• Implement and maintain controls to reduce errors and prevent fraud, ensuring compliance with legislation and regulation.

People

• Lead development, training, and performance management of the Transfer Agency Operations team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, ethical decision-making, and openness.

Governance

• Provide timely reports to Boards and Committees.
• Lead governance meetings and participate in change management discussions to ensure proper understanding and execution of initiatives.

Experience Required

• Extensive operational experience in Wealth Management/Platform industry.
• Senior management or director-level experience within the platform industry.
• Strong knowledge of platform propositions, from Retail Client to Asset Servicing.
• Proven client relationship management skills.
• Deep operational knowledge of functions under the role's remit.
• Understanding of South African financial services and regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of risk and compliance policies and processes.